Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) Practice Exam

What is a managed care organization (MCO) primarily focused on?

1. Providing unlimited access to specialists

2. Management of quality and costs of care

3. Reducing healthcare premiums only

4. Offering services outside a provider network

The correct answer is: Management of quality and costs of care

A managed care organization (MCO) primarily focuses on the management of quality and costs of care. This approach is centered on coordinating healthcare services, enhancing patient outcomes, and ensuring that care is delivered efficiently and effectively. MCOs strive to use resources wisely while maintaining a high standard of care. By managing the cost and quality of care, they can create a system where patients receive necessary treatments without unnecessary expenditures, thus supporting the sustainability of the healthcare system. The essence of managed care lies in its efforts to implement guidelines and protocols that promote preventive care, encourage the use of primary care providers, and manage the referral process to specialists. This system aims not just to reduce costs but also to improve health outcomes by overseeing the healthcare delivery process and helping patients navigate their care options.